RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY UPDATE-2012

Tere and Therese began an experiment in community living in early 2006, inspired to share this sacred land and develop a sustainable model of communal living with shared common spaces and ‘small is beautiful’ private spaces (cabins and bedrooms). In addition to the log cabin and outbuildings previously built, we built the beautiful Round House and two nearby yurt-cabins (detached bedrooms) in 2007-08. In 2011 we completed a third structure near the Round House, the ‘Cedar Castle.’ Our “complex” here at Sacred Groves now includes two houses, several cabins and outbuildings that serve as shop, studios, offices, bedrooms. Over the past 6 years 30 adults and 12 children have moved in (and out) of Sacred Groves. It’s been a rich and wonderful experience, many sweet moments of living with an ‘extended family’ of sorts. But the transiency was unsettling.

Great Room, our community living room in the Round House

Mysteriously (and for a variety of reasons) in the latter half of 2011 all residents moved away from Sacred Groves, leaving Therese and Tere alone on this beautiful land for the first time in 6 years. We felt this “hiatus” in our intentional community was an important opportunity to re-group and re-vision.

As of April 2012, we have some renters on the land, but don’t have an active “intentional community.” We share the Round House and yurts with a steady stream of short-term guests, and continue to host our circles, ceremonies and small retreats. We aren’t sure when or if our original vision of intentional community will eventually manifest or whether something else will arise. We feel a sense of trust in the healing power and beauty of all that we have created here, knowing that these Sacred Groves have a life of their own. At this point we are happy to welcome the many guests who are drawn to the healing energy of this place.

Our initial vision was for a stable community of folks who feel rooted to this land, connected to us, and want to co-create a life living simply, sustainably, connected to the earth and each other. We are still open to exploring the possibility of co-creating a vibrant community with others here at Sacred Groves. If you are interested, plan to come visit, tour the land, meet us, see how it all feels, spend a few nights in our guest accommodations, check us out. We are looking for people who have an affinity for the land, our sweet, charming structures, unique lay-out here, who believe in our Sacred Groves vision and values, are drawn to the ceremonies, circles and events that happen here, want to work in the gardens and walk in the woods. Because of high property taxes and other costs of life on Bainbridge Island, we need people who have the ability to financially contribute. We especially welcome inquiries from people who have an abiding and informed interest in community living.

LIVING SIMPLY

“To be satisfied with a little is the greatest wisdom; and he that increaseth his riches, increaseth his cares. But a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble findeth it not.” Akhenaton

Living at Sacred Groves requires a commitment to downsizing and sharing. There are many good reasons to live more simply, occupy less space, have fewer material possessions. Many people have come to realize that money, big houses, and lots of stuff do not bring bring us fulfillment and meaning. Connection in community and to the natural world does. Here are several links to check out if you are interested in learning more about the many good reasons for living small and simply:

“Tumbleweed Houses” –examples of tiny charming houses, most of which are smaller than our cabins here at the Groves.

Small House Society
Small Living Journal
Little House on a Small Planet
Green Home Building
The Simple Living Network

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, handicap, familial status, or national origin.